The Conservative Government has announced that Lincolnshire will become one of the Country’s 55 new Education Investment Areas (EIAs) aiming to improve education for disadvantaged children and young people. The County will receive targeted support including priority for new specialist sixth-form free schools, help for schools to retain the best teachers in high-priority subjects, and access to a new pilot programme to improve pupil attendance.
This is part of the Government’s ambitious plans for “Levelling Up” the UK to ensure that no matter where people live, they receive a great education and excellent employment opportunities.
In summary, the plans will ensure that:
- EIA’s attract extra investment with retention payments for the best teachers
- There is a better understanding of the skills gaps, by establishing a new Future Skills Unit which will look at the data and evidence of where skills gaps exist and in what industries
- More adults will soon be able to access free, flexible training and get the skills needed to secure careers in sectors including green, digital and construction
- Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their families and caregivers will be better supported with respite care and internship opportunities -- councils will be funded £30 million for the next three years to set up more than 10,000 additional respite placements.
In response, Lincoln MP, Karl McCartney, said: “Everyone in the City and across the County should be able to have the opportunity of a world-class education and be given the skills they need to succeed. Those already of working age also need opportunities to retrain and local businesses need help to expand and grow.
“This is why I welcome the extra support we are receiving from this Conservative Government. This includes the new funding to help our schools keep the best teachers and the new opportunities for talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds to receive the very best education.”
For more information, visit the Government web page here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/package-to-transform-education-and-opportunities-for-most-disadvantaged
